Inviting Jesus into my Season of Depression

There is something so rejuvenating about the first sunny day after a strand of rainy ones. You step outside, feel the sun hit your face, and begin to feel like a brand-new person. As someone who struggles with seasonal depression, the first “big” sunny day after a bout of cold and rainy ones always brings me a sense of false hope. I go about my day full of newfound energy and excitement, and then the following day brings on more rain and clouds. Undoubtedly, I find myself quickly beginning to fall back into that negative mind space that I have lived in for so long. I begin to doubt myself and before I realize what is happening the enemy is whispering in my ear about how God has abandoned me, and all hope is lost. I mean, being a Christian means that I cannot struggle with mental health issues, right? That would be showing unbelievers that I am unwilling and unable to put my full faith and trust in God. Wrong.

You can be a Chrisitan and still struggle with mental health. I am closer to the Lord more now than I ever have been in my entire life. Yet, I struggle every single day. Every day, I have to fight the voice in my head telling me that I am worthless or that God will not be able to use me for His will. I thought that struggling with mental health meant that I could never fully get right with God. But let me tell you something, God is the one helping me overcome my depression and anxiety. He met me exactly where I was. In a moment of desperation, I called out to the Lord and walking with Him has made all the difference. When I have a really hard day, He is there. When I have a day full of sorrow and dread, He is there. I no longer have to walk through life alone. 

The first negative thought that I had to overcome was the lie that I was walking through this hardship alone. I know now that God is walking right beside me every step of the way. He will never leave or forsake me. Deuteronomy 3:8 hits the nail on the head. It reads, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” There is true joy and comfort to be found when you make the conscious decision to lean on Christ. 

The second lie that the enemy tells me is that because I struggle with mental health, the Lord will not be able to use me. This could not be further from the truth. We see so many people in the Bible struggle with mental health and the Lord uses them in extraordinary ways. Paul is one of my favorite examples of this. In the Bible, Paul faced many challenges and hardships. Despite his struggles, he found hope and strength in his faith. Through prayer and perseverance, he was able to overcome his difficulties and continue spreading the message of God's love. Look at all the phenomenal things that Paul did for God’s glory! Paul's story serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find comfort and hope in our faith.

Let me say it one more time, you can be a Chrisitan and still struggle with mental health. Do not let the stigma of mental health and being a Chrisitan stop all the blessings that the Lord is placing in your life. There is soul-altering peace to be found when you invite God into your struggles. Remember, even in the challenging times, God’s presence remains steadfast. You are never alone, and His promises endure forever.

Lord, thank you for my struggles.